Chapter 262: The Allure of Power

Han Xinpu was very happy for his brother and helped analyze, saying: "Lu Fan, do you think that's the case? You serve as Secretary Li's secretary and are dating his daughter—are you trying to avoid any suspicion? Anyway, I don't think it's a bad thing; you kid can enjoy it secretly!"

Wu Xiaohua continued: "When the time comes for you to know, the Secretary will naturally tell you. Isn't now pretty good? You even start acting deep—do you feel aggrieved? Come, come, have a drink! I really don't know what they saw in you."

After their analysis, Lu Fan stopped overthinking and joked, "Maybe my charm is too great, making people unable to pull themselves away!"

Han Xinpu, making a vomiting gesture, said: "Where is the face? You may urinate on the ground, lift the face to look at it, and the confusion can be resolved!"

The three laughed heartily, began to drink merrily, and congratulated Lu Fan on finding the perfect other half!

On the morning of the fourth day, Lu Fan woke up, called his teacher Hong Tao, and after the line connected said, "Secretary Wang, Happy New Year!"

Secretary Wang replied warmly: "It's Lu Fan, same joy!"

Lu Fan tentatively asked: "Secretary, I'd like to visit your home to pay New Year respects; would that be convenient?"

"Didn't I tell you before the year? No need to be formal! Everyone's quite busy, just rest well over the New Year!"

Lu Fan quickly said: "You have labored for my affairs, and over the years you have cared for me thoroughly; I truly feel indebted and wish to express my sincere gratitude to you in person!"

"Lu Fan, you needn't overthink this; work well. I hope you can achieve a career! The Municipal Party Committee Office is an excellent platform—make full use of it, build your network, and ultimately strive for a grassroots posting; that's where your vast arena lies!"

"Secretary, I will certainly keep your teachings in mind, put them into practice, strive to do meaningful work, and will not disappoint your expectations!"

"Alright, that's enough. I'm boarding a plane right away to go to Jingcheng; convey my regards to Secretary Mingzhou for me!"

After hanging up, Lu Fan felt deeply moved; from his teacher he sensed great warmth and recognized a noble character that bestows kindness without expecting return.

After greeting Han Xinpu and Wu Xiaohua, Lu Fan took a train back to Yingjiang.

On the fifth day, Lu Fan hurriedly summoned his brothers and classmates to his home; the annual gathering absolutely cannot be missed!

The room was filled with laughter and cheerful chatter,

On the fifth day, Lu Fan hurriedly summoned his brothers and classmates to his home; the annual gathering absolutely cannot be missed!

Everyone drank heartily, exchanged greetings, shared each other's amusing stories; the room was filled with laughter and cheerful chatter—this is the gathering everyone looks forward to each year.

On February 14, the first working day after the Spring Festival holiday, Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee member and Municipal Party Secretary Li Mingzhou led a team to several construction project sites, conducting on‑site investigations of post‑holiday resumption and project progress, and extended New Year greetings and blessings to frontline workers. He called on the whole city to raise spirits and work with full vigor, to achieve new achievements in the coming year, and to make fresh contributions for Yingjiang to catch up in high‑quality development.

During the first work week after the holiday, Li Mingzhou was nonstop, with a packed schedule, listening to the people's voices, addressing their concerns, and seeking development… his footsteps spanned many districts and counties.

He repeatedly emphasized: the start is a sprint, the opening is the final! He led by example, demonstrating a fighting spirit as a model for the city's leaders and cadres.

On February 21, Li Mingzhou chaired a Secretary's office meeting to discuss two matters: first, the corruption issue of Municipal Science and Technology Association Vice‑Chairman Le Xueli; second, a proposal to adjust citywide cadres.

In name it was a study, in fact it was a notification, because Municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary Guo Zhitao closely follows the Secretary's steps, and Li Mingzhou intends to curb the mayor's power, guarding against him from multiple angles.

After the meeting, Li Mingzhou called Lu Fan into the office and said, "The County Chief of Ningyang has not been appointed yet. You've held a position there; do you have a suitable candidate? Or would it be better to bring someone in from outside?"

Lu Fan, aware of his limits, replied, "Secretary, this is a matter you and the Municipal Party Committee are considering; I dare not speak recklessly!"

Li Mingzhou said, "If I ask you to speak, just speak! It's only for reference, not for you to decide!"

After thinking, Lu Fan said, "Secretary, I've never considered this issue, and in a hurry I have no idea."

Li Mingzhou hinted, "Then go back and think it over; you need to gradually take part in the city's personnel adjustments. I can't remain Municipal Party Secretary of Yingjiang forever; you'll eventually work in a county or district, so plan ahead and pay particular attention to Ganshui County."

Lu Fan felt a stir: Ganshui County? Could it be his next station? If so, it's wise to use current resources to lay out plans in advance.

"Secretary, thank you, Secretary, I will think carefully!"

"Hmm, broaden your outlook, be bolder; as long as it benefits work, you can report it to me!"

Back in the office, Lu Fan immediately pulled up data on Ganshui County: total area 2,300 square kilometers, total population 90,000, comprising eight towns, 2015 GDP of 2 billion yuan, fiscal revenue 220 million yuan, local fiscal revenue 150 million yuan, fiscal expenditure 1 billion yuan, per‑capita disposable income of rural residents 10,100 yuan, and per‑capita disposable income of urban residents 28,000 yuan.

Ganshui County has a long history, abundant natural resources, unique cultural scenery, beautiful natural landscapes, and is named for its beautiful water.

Its greatest advantage is a forest and grass cover rate of 79%, rich plant resources, with 1.8 million mu of forest and 1 million mu of grass.

As for anything else, there is none!

Lu Fan couldn't understand why the Secretary chose such a poor county for him.

But thinking about it, he felt relieved; many people across the city are scrambling, even fighting, to get county or district assignments—being sent down is like lighting a high‑grade incense!

Since the Secretary gave the opportunity, he must seize it and pre‑place personnel in Ganshui County.

Lu Fan pictured many candidates; the only suitable one was Deputy County Chief Guo Tongyu of Ningyang, but the other brothers are deputy section chiefs or chief section officials, or two candidates could be selected from the Municipal Party Committee Office.

Now, Lu Fan realized how weak his foundation is; he must promote a vote of "his own people".

The "Regulations on Party Discipline Disciplinary Measures" stipulate that one must not use hometown, alumni, or comrade ties to form cliques, factions, or exchange interests.

But in reality, which leader will ultimately be used? To ignore trusted people and instead use someone unfamiliar? That's a sign of a flawed mind; a normal person couldn't do that!

After all, trust is the foundation of relationships! Without sufficient trust, how can one confidently entrust important work to others? Thus, without the leader's trust, everything is futile.

Moreover, regarding ability, the gap isn't that large. If you can handle the job, why can't others? Ninety percent of work doesn't require high degrees; middle school level and doctorate produce similar results—attitude decides everything!

After rumors of cadre adjustments spread in the city, many began to stir, especially in Ningyang, where the County Chief position remains vacant.

Everyone knows that all city leadership positions are in Secretary Li Mingzhou's pocket; even if you go to the province to seek connections, the foothold is still with Secretary Li.

As a rising official in Yingjiang, Lu Fan enjoys Secretary Li Mingzhou's trust, which is evident to all; consequently, many set their sights on Lu Fan, devising ways to win him over.

On February 25, while Lu Fan was reviewing documents, Deputy County Committee Secretary Yang Chuanbei of Ningyang entered, smiling broadly and said, "Are you busy? Hope I'm not disturbing?"

Lu Fan hurriedly stood and greeted, laughing, "Please sit, senior leader, you're a rare guest!"

"Hey, you're criticizing me, thinking I haven't come enough!"

"That remark is out of line; I haven't even had time to welcome you!"

After the pleasantries, Yang Chuanbei got straight to the point and asked, "The personnel adjustments are coming soon, right?"

Lu Fan nodded and said, "We held a Secretary's office meeting a few days ago; I guess a five‑person group meeting will be convened soon, and we need to present a general direction."

He asked, "Give me the inside scoop—has there been any inclination for Ningyang's County Chief? Do you think I have a chance?"

"Secretary Yang, to be honest I really don't know. I guess Director Rong Qiu is also uncertain. Didn't you report to the Secretary?"

"Yesterday I reported to the Secretary and expressed my request, but the Secretary gave no response. I'm feeling very uneasy, haven't been able to eat properly these days! Lu Fan, we don't need to discuss our relationship—can you help?"

Lu Fan quickly replied, "Senior leader, you're overestimating me; I'm just a small office deputy director, I don't have that much power!"

Secretary Yang said anxiously, "Stop being modest. If you can help me drum up some support, this matter will likely have hope! Brother, consider me pleading—help me, okay? I understand the rules!"

Lu Fan helplessly said, "Senior leader, I understand your feelings, but this is truly beyond my control. The Secretary has his own considerations and arrangements; I wouldn't dare interfere casually."

The talk had come to this point, but Yang Chuanbei still wouldn't give up, he kept pressing hard and soft, even starting to "the map is exhausted, the dagger appears", and he even brought out his "briefcase"!

Lu Fan felt it was about enough, then showed a rather embarrassed expression and said: "Old leader, when you were in Ningyang you helped me a lot, I've always remembered this favor. Like this, I'll find a suitable opportunity to mention it to the secretary, see if it works!"

Yang Chuanbei gratefully said: "Thank you so much, no matter the outcome, I will definitely remember this favor. In the future, if there's anything I can do, just let me know!"

Lu Fan laughed and said: "Old leader, you're being too formal, mutual help is what we should do. I sincerely hope you get what you wish for, just wait for my word!"

The two chatted a while longer, then Secretary Yang got up to take his leave.

Lu Fan saw him to the door, watching his retreating back, he couldn't help but feel moved: the officialdom is like a battlefield without smoke, filled with fierce competition and endless challenges, everyone wants to climb up, eager to stand out and hold great power, seeking their own place, yet unaware of the difficulties and dangers within.

Scheming and fighting, deception and betrayal, using any means—these various wickedness and complexities leave people feeling shocked and helpless!

Despite this, countless people still rush forward, wave after wave, fearlessly pouring in, for ultimately it's the allure of power! The glory, status, wealth and other temptations it brings make people willing to pay any price for it.